Adventure is on the cards for Ajay Devgn. mid-day has learnt that the actor, who is currently shooting for Luv Ranjan’s production De De Pyaar De 2, will kick off their next collaboration, an action adventure, in December. The superstar has rarely explored a full-fledged action adventure in his 33-year career so far. That makes the tentatively-titled Ranger, which will see him as a forest officer on the quest for a relic, an interesting addition to his filmography.

From what we’ve heard, pre-production on Ranger began a few months ago, and director Jagan Shakti has completed the recce.

A source tells us, “Ajay has allotted December and the first few months of 2025 to the project. He is excited about the big-budget film as it is being planned as a franchise, along the lines of Indiana Jones. The actor will play a state forest officer, who is determined to protect the forest and preserve wildlife. The story is steeped in folklore and mythology, and sees his character in search of a significant relic. During the recce, the team finalized four locations, and are likely to begin the shoot in a forest in north India.”

The source reveals that Devgn will sport a distinct avatar in the jungle drama. “Ajay’s look has yet to be finalised. The costume team is working towards giving him a weather-beaten look. The superstar hopes to wrap up the project by early 2025, after which he is slated to face the camera for a south movie,” adds the insider.

Ajay Devgn is set to embark on an adventure that will take him through dense jungles, steep mountains, and caves, much like Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones. After completing the sequel to De De Pyaar De, filmmaker Luv Ranjan will produce the actor’s next project, an action-adventure directed by Jagan Shakti of Mission Mangal fame.

“The script for the Luv Ranjan film is still in progress. It will be a big-budget production featuring Ajay Devgn as an adventurer. The filmmakers aim to create something akin to the Indiana Jones franchise. Ajay is excited about the concept, as it is an unexplored genre for him,” says a source, adding that the film will be set in the forests of India, with Devgn on a “quest to find an ancient relic.

“The story will have historical significance and will be steeped in folklore and mythology. The film, heavy on VFX, is expected to go on floors by December 2024,” the source reveals.

Devgn is thrilled about the project, as it targets a younger audience. “It is being designed with children in mind. The film will feature high-octane set pieces and stunts. Ajay will sport a rugged look, donning a leather jacket and carrying a backpack. He will possess extensive knowledge of ancient civilizations and languages,” the source shares.

Once Devgn wraps up the shoot for Son Of Sardar 2 and De De Pyaar De 2, he is expected to begin filming the action-adventure.

Father-son duo Meezaan and Jaaved Jaaferi are set to come together on the silver screen for the first time. A source says the two have started shooting for Ajay Devgn’s upcoming film De De Pyaar De 2. The Luv Ranjan directorial is the sequel to Ajay’s 2019 film, which also featured Rakul Preet and Tabu.

The source tells us, “Luv Ranjan has been extremely tight-lipped about the project. It is said that Meezaan plays Rakul Preet’s ex or new love interest, while Javed is expected to essay the role of Meezaan’s father. The two have started shooting for it.” Meezaan, who made his Bollywood debut with Malaal in 2019, was last seen in Yaariyan 2 (2003).

De De Pyaar De 2 also stars R Madhavan. It remains to be seen whether Tabu will be a part of the sequel. “The makers want to keep that as a surprise element. She may return with a cameo,” the source adds.

Earlier while talking to us, Meezaan spoke about finding his own path and craving his own destiny in the industry. Meezaan refrains from using his last name. On his Instagram the actor chooses to stick to his first name and ironically even for his debut movie Malaal, his first name was utilized. While others may stick to their legacy and may bank on it, Meezaan is quite certain of not doing that.

“When Malaal came my screen name was only Meezaan. We wanted the name to be as is because it doesn’t hold any religious or family baggage. Also, it’s a unique and a standalone name. Even for Instagram, I just wanted it to be Meezaan,” the actor told us.

He also added, “My father always said, ‘Do it on your own terms, you have a fresh image; this way you don’t let anything come in your way as such’. So this way I am creating a standalone identity of mine courtesy of my work and not letting because of my family. I want to be known for my performances."

Who will play Sourav Ganguly on screen? That has been the big question since 2021 when the former Indian cricket captain announced the biopic. Speculation intensified earlier this year with Ayushmann Khurrana and Ranbir Kapoor said to be the frontrunners for the role.

In May, mid-day reported that Khurrana would team up with director Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth for the biopic (Ayush to play Dada on screen, May 31). Now, it has been learnt that the actor-director duo will kick off the shoot in December.

Portraying one of India’s most successful skippers won’t come easy. The actor will have to train in various aspects— from replicating Ganguly’s batting stance to perfecting his manner of hitting winners on the off-side. An advantage that Khurrana enjoys is that he is a left-handed batter like the former cricketer.

A source reveals, “Ayushmann will begin training next month in Mumbai, giving him over two months to prep for the role before the project goes on floors in December.” Ganguly, who is closely involved with the Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg production, is said to have already met the leading man. It’s uncertain yet whether the first schedule will be shot in Mumbai or in the former cricketer’s native city, Kolkata.

Khurrana and Garg remained unavailable for comment.

Even as all eyes are on his youngest daughter, actor Khushi Kapoor, stepping into the industry with the web film Archies, producer Boney Kapoor recently made his acting debut with Luv Ranjan’s Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar where he played the role of Ranbir Kapoor’s father.

The 67-year-old, who hasn’t watched the film out of “nervousness” yet, says, “Main ghabra raha hoon, samajh nahin aa raha ki maine kaam theek kiya ya nahin.” He adds that a lot of people calling him to congratulate him for his performance have also asked about his short screen time.

Reacting to that, Kapoor quips, “Dialogues ya scenes kum kyun thhe, yeh toh aap director ko poochiye. Write a letter to Luv Ranjan and ask, ‘Aapne itne achche artiste ko waste kaise kar diya?’ But mujhe toh mazaa aaya karke. It was a good and happy unit.”

Kapoor credits his children — Arjun, Anshula, Janhvi and Khushi — for encouraging him to take the plunge into acting. “They pushed me to try acting and said, ‘Papa yeh karna hi hoga’. Unn logon ki wajah se hi main ghus pada acting mein and kar liya,” says Kapoor.

After dating for over five years, Sonnalli A Sajnani née Seygall tied the knot with hotelier Ashesh Sajnani on June 7. With all her industry friends in attendance, the actor says she felt “genuine love” on her big day.

In her first interview after marriage, she says, “My friends being there for my wedding made it so special. So many of them were busy promoting [projects] or working, yet they made it a point to be there for not just the wedding, but also the pre-wedding festivities... We didn’t have much time to prepare. So, we needed all the help and our friends stepped up and took responsibilities.”

The entire Pyaar Ka Punchnama team, including her co-actor Kartik Aaryan and director Luv Ranjan, attended the ceremonies. “It was super sweet. Luv sir is family and he was there throughout. Ishita (Raj Sharma, actor) was shooting and came all the way from Karjat. These are the times that make you feel loved,” says the 34-year-old. Also in attendance were Ashesh’s dog Shamsher and Sonnali’s fur baby Cookie, who was even “a part of phoolon ki chadar”.

The actor, who is back from her honeymoon in the Maldives, reveals that the couple had planned to get married last year, but things “suddenly fell into place in May this year”. “We had no plans. The universe came together to make it magical,” says Sonnalli, who will be away from Mumbai for a month to shoot for her next project.

Sonnalli Seygall tied the knot with her boyfriend and restaurateur Ashesh L Sajnani in Mumbai at a gurdwara in Santacruz yesterday. The actress was dressed in a pink sari and arrived under a phoolon ki chadar with her pet dog, who was also dressed for the D-Day.

Sonnalli’s Pyaar Ka Punchnama co-stars Kartik Aaryan, Sunny Singh and director Luv Ranjan, along with her friends Shama Sikander, Raai Laxmi, Chahat Khanna, Sahil Salathia, Karan V Grover, Poppy Jabbal and Shenaz Treasurywala were spotted at the venue.

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Pyaar Ka Punchnama actor Sonnalli Seygall tied the knot with longtime beau, hotelier, Ashesh L Sajnani in Mumbai on Wednesday. Clad in a blush pink saree with a full-sleeved blouse, the 34-year-old had an Anand Karaj at a gurdwara.

Seygall walked down the aisle under a phoolon ki chaddar, held by her friend, filmmaker Luv Ranjan. Her pooch, Bounty, accompanied her, too. The couple’s close friends from the industry stood out at the ceremony, dressed in ivory and white.

Those present at the wedding included actors Sumona Chakravarti, Mandira Bedi, Chahatt Khanna and others. The newlyweds are set to host a grand reception today.

In 2021, former Indian men’s cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly took to social media to share that a biopic on his life is in the offing, and that it will be produced by Luv Ranjan’s banner. Last month, it was reported that Ranbir Kapoor was the top contender for the lead role.

However, Sourav had dismissed the news back then, saying, “No final decision has been taken. I hope we can share something positive after the meeting.”

A few days ago, rumours resurfaced that Ranbir is likely to head to Kolkata soon to visit the iconic Eden Gardens, CAB (Cricket Association of Bengal) office and even Ganguly’s house before he starts shooting for the biopic, which is speculated to be mounted on a huge budget. Sourav has reportedly said yes to the final draft of the script and the film is supposed to roll out soon.

When we reached out to the film’s co-producer, Ankur Garg, he said, “Honestly, there’s no update to share at this point in time. The biopic will be one of the projects that we will focus on after our upcoming film’s release. For now, casting or anything else hasn’t been discussed.”

Sourav’s wife, Dona Ganguly, said, “I am not sure. I don’t know yet,” and added all speculations are too premature.

Sanjay Das, a close friend of Sourav and one of the initiators of this biopic, shared, “Nothing about the film is fixed yet. We will need at least eight-nine months to decide who will play the lead role. Once everything falls into place, Sourav and the production house will formally announce who will play his character on screen. That Ranbir Kapoor is likely to play Dada is just a rumour, at least at this point.”

Drishyam 2 director Abhishek Pathak and actress Shivaleeka Oberoi got married in Goa on February 9. The traditional wedding ceremony had a modern touch to it. Sharing some pictures of their big day on social media, the couple wrote, “‘You don’t find love, it finds you. It’s got a lot to do with destiny, fate and what’s written in the stars.’ Last evening, 9th Feb 2023, surrounded by our loved ones, we got married in a place where our relationship bloomed. This will forever be the most magical moment of our life! With our hearts full of love and so many memories, we can’t wait to build even more special ones and begin this new journey together (sic).”

The wedding was an intimate affair, attended by their close friends, family members and colleagues from the industry.

Ajay Devgn and nephew Aaman Devgan, Kartik Aaryan, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Sunny Singh and filmmaker Luv Ranjan were among the guests present there. The pre-wedding festivities were held on February 8, while the pheras took place on February 9 and was followed by an after-party.

The new year marks the beginning of Arjun Kapoor’s second decade in the movie industry. If the past 10 years have taught him something, it is to retain the hunger and spontaneity that he possessed when facing the camera for the first time, for Ishaqzaade (2012). The actor reflects, “When you start out, you make choices impulsively. After a point, you’re told to be strategic. Then, life comes full circle, and you realise the child in you should always remain. Today, I hold on to the thought of what Arjun [of 2012] wanted to do — he wanted to do good work, and be emotional about his choices rather than calculative.”

His latest release, Kuttey, is a prime example of Kapoor following his heart. Debutant director Aasmaan Bhardwaj’s crime comedy may be viewed as a risky move by some. But Kapoor says one Zoom call is all it took for him to come on board. “The father [filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj] had made Kaminey [2009], and the son was making Kuttey. I knew I was in safe hands. Vishal Bhardwaj has a certain aura [that has been built through] his music and writing. Then Luv [Ranjan, producer] came on board. So, we had two producers who would back Aasmaan’s vision completely. We haven’t pitched Kuttey like a quintessential movie. It is new-age cinema, made with complete honesty, for the audience that is eager to see actors and filmmakers push the envelope.”

That the film brought together some of today’s finest actors — from Naseeruddin Shah to Tabu, and Konkona Sen Sharma — only reaffirmed Kapoor’s faith in it. The actor was particularly looking forward to sharing screen space with Tabu. “She made her debut in my father’s [producer Boney Kapoor] film, Prem. Even today, we share the same playful banter. I often say, ‘Kuttey toh bahana tha, mujhe toh Tabu ke saath kaam karna tha’.”

He counts himself lucky to have worked with Sen Sharma in the movie. “I just wanted to tell her how much I love her work as an actor and director.”

A week since the massive fire broke out at Chitrakoot Grounds in Andheri, three major Hindi movie productions have come to an abrupt halt. The set of Luv Ranjan’s yet-untitled next, where the fire reportedly originated, stands completely destroyed. As a result, the shoot of the dance number, featuring leads Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, has been deferred.

A source reveals, “Ranbir has moved to Animal’s shoot now. They will return to film the song after he wraps up the schedule of the Sandeep Reddy Vanga-directed crime drama, and 'Brahmāstra' promotions. That will also give the production design team enough time to rebuild the set from scratch.”

The blaze happened on July 29 in the early evening, claiming one. The fire brigade was reportedly alerted at 4.28 pm, after which 10 fire engines were sent to the site. Sooraj Barjatya’s production house lost two massive sets, erected for its coming-of-age film, to the blaze that was designated as Level 2. The yet-untitled movie marks the acting debut of Sunny Deol’s son Rajveer, Poonam Dhillon’s daughter Paloma, and the directorial debut of Barjatya’s son Avnish.

The source adds, “One set was a replica of Thailand streets. The unit was to start filming a song on August 3 that would go on till August 10. It was a lavish set-up that cost them almost a crore. The second set-up was to be used on August 27, 28, and 29 when the cast and crew were to can some crucial sequences. Sooraj sir was to be present for those portions.”

With both sets damaged beyond repair, filming of these portions is likely to be deferred to the year-end. “Avnish has lined up a Thailand schedule between December, and January 2023. After the recent turn of events, he may film the song in locations across Thailand. As for the talkie portions, they will be shot in Mumbai later this year.”

Sriram Raghavan had a set built for the Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi-starrer, 'Merry Christmas', at the other end of the ground. Though the set is fortunately undamaged, the director is exercising caution and will have his unit report to duty only after a few weeks.

Sooraj Barjatya (left) Sriram Raghavan has a set, which is largely undamaged, at the site

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has sought an inquiry to ascertain the reason behind the fire that gutted the sets of filmmaker Luv Ranjan’s next, starring actors Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, in Mumbai recently. One person lost his life in the mishap that took place at Chitrakoot Ground.

The federation plans to write to Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) seeking the safety of workers and technicians.

“For the past four-five years, we have written letters to the CM and fire authorities that proper investigations should be conducted at such places,” FWICE general secretary Ashok Dubey told an entertainment portal, adding that such accidents are “happening repeatedly”.

“Now, the federation is issuing notices to the producers’ body, production houses and the CM, stating that such unauthorized structures should not be permitted to function without a fire audit and an NOC,” he added, asserting that if the concerns raised aren’t considered, they will put in a request for an inquiry by the BMC and the state government into multiple studios.

A 32-year-old man was reported to have died in a fire at an Andheri film set. A massive fire had broken on the film set (of Luv Ranjan's next, starring Ranbir Kapooor), that of a temporary pandal on Chitrakoot Grounds, next to Andheri sports complex, on Friday evening around 4:30 pm.

One person was reported dead in the Andheri film set fire. Fire officials said a 32-year-old man, Manish Devashi, was killed in the fire. Doctors at the civic run Cooper Hospital said that he was brought dead. A massive fire had broken on the film set on Chitrakoot Grounds, next to Andheri sports complex, on Friday evening. The fire was designated as level 2. Officials first said the fire had broken out in a shop, but later confirmed that it was a film set.

“The blaze was reported around 4:30 pm. The fire was confined to a temporary decorative pandal. Eight fire engines, water tankers and ambulances were sent to the spot. The fire was covered from all sides around 7:15 pm. Plumes of thick black smoke were coming out,” said an official.

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A massive fire broke out at a film set at Chitrakoot ground in suburban Andheri (West) on Friday afternoon, a civic official said. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) declared it to be a level 2 fire. A 32-year-old Manish Devashi who was rescued and shifted to civic-run Cooper Hospital has been declared brought dead by the doctors.

The incident occurred at 4:30 pm on Friday after a  short circuit happened in the electric board of the studio. Local residents told midday that heavy smoke was coming out from the studio. The fire brigade managed to extinguish the fire in 30 minutes. There were around 50 to 100 workers inside the studio while the incident occurred.

Three fire engines were rushed to the site, the official said.

Speaking with midday, Senior Inspector Bandopant Bansode from Amboli police station said, "The major fire broke out at around 4:28 pm at Chitrakoot studio. In the primary investigation, we found that a fire broke out due to a short circuit in the main electric board. The fire later spread into entire studio premises. The fire was spread around a 1000 sq ft area in the studio. Police, Traffic police, BMC ward staff, water department, fire brigades, and electricity officers were rushed at the spot and they managed to extinguish the fire."

Ranbir Kapoor is neck-deep in the promotions for Shamshera that hits the marquee this week. With Brahmāstra scheduled to release in September, the actor isn’t far away from the ambitious project’s promotion run either. But before he dives into the world of the fantasy drama, Ranbir will turn his attention to his yet-untitled next helmed by Luv Ranjan.

The film, which sees the actor opposite Shraddha Kapoor and had gone on floors in early 2021, is nearing the finish line. We hear the actor duo will shoot an elaborate song over the next 10 days, after which it’s a wrap on the romantic comedy.

Word is that the production design team has erected a massive set at Chitrakoot Ground in Andheri for the special dance number. A source reveals, “The shoot begins today with Shraddha. Ranbir will join only later in the week after completing Shamshera promotions. Bosco-Martis are choreographing the number, which should be wrapped up by July-end.”

The makers are considering using the song in the credit roll of the film, which also stars Dimple Kapadia and Boney Kapoor. However, a final call has yet to be taken.

On Sunday, Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna were spotted returning to Mumbai after a short shooting spell of Animal in Manali. After a three-day break, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga resumed his place behind the camera yesterday to kick off the Mumbai schedule. The prep began early morning in Chembur where the unit will be filming for the next two days.

A source reveals, “A dramatic scene, featuring Ranbir and Rashmika, was canned at a set erected near Mysore Colony in Chembur. The movie will be shot in different pockets of the city, primarily in western suburbs, up to May 5.”

Come May, the actor will have to juggle the gangster drama, and the final schedule of Luv Ranjan’s yet-untitled film that sees him opposite Shraddha Kapoor.

Animal, which is Vanga’s second Hindi film after the successful Kabir Singh (2019), reportedly revolves around a gangster family, with Mandanna playing Ranbir’s wife and Anil Kapoor his father. Barely a week after his April 14 wedding to girlfriend Alia Bhatt, Ranbir had headed to Manali to commence work on the project.

Everyone expected the newly married couple to take off for a few days to celebrate their union, instead, we hear that Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor will be diving headlong into work. While Bhatt will resume shooting for Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, Kapoor will kick start the first schedule of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal in Himachal Pradesh.

Kapoor, who had started bulking up for Animal, will have to get lean post the April schedule of the film for Luv Ranjan’s romcom. In September, he will have to “gain the muscle back for the second schedule of Animal”.

“Ranbir had started bulking up under the guidance of coach Shivohaam. He is passionate and has been following rigorous training and diet [to fit into the skin of his character]. He is also trained in freehand movement, gymnastics, and strength building. He will fly for a two-day shoot in Manali on April 22, post which he has a week-long shoot in Mumbai,” informed a source from the unit of Animal.

On May 7, Kapoor is set to play football against the Emirates United at the Shabab. “He then has a month-long schedule in Spain and Mumbai for which he will sport a lean and toned look. Post completing Luv Ranjan’s film, Ranbir will wrap up Animal by end of the year,” added the source of the gangster-themed drama that is being produced by Vanga, Bhushan Kumar and Murad Khetani.

Her love for all things traditional is evident in her social media posts. Today, on Gudi Padwa, Shraddha Kapoor is excited to participate in the festivities to celebrate the Maharashtrian New Year, which marks the beginning of spring. While Shraddha’s father Shakti Kapoor, is Punjabi, her mother, Shivangi, is Maharashtrian, and the actress has grown up celebrating all the festivals with equal enthusiasm at her home. For a photo shoot exclusively for Bombay Times, the actress dressed up like a true Marathi mulgi in a nauvari saree and ethnic jewellery.

Expressing her love for the nine-yard drape, Shraddha said, “This is the first time I have worn a nauvari saree along with a nath and a chandrakor bindi, and it is a very special feeling. Nauvari sarees have a very grand and celebrated history. It isn’t just a mere aesthetic attire. The nauvari symbolises strength and power. It was also worn by women to fight in wars back in the day, as it allowed mobility and freedom of movement.”

Talking about how the special day usually unfolds for her every year, Shraddha says, “It is all about following the traditions. I wake up early and start the day by gorging on some homemade puran polis, topped with a dollop of ghee on it. Also, it’s a day that you spend with your family and loved ones. With Gudi Padwa, you look forward to starting the New Year on a happy, optimistic note.”

Recalling the time spent in the past two years of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Baaghi 3 actress says, “With no shoots happening, I just spent all of that time in the company of my family and loved ones. Those were my most precious moments. It was lovely to be at home and help around the house with cleaning and other duties. I also spent my time watching movies and reading books.”

Today, she cherishes those moments, as work is back in full steam and keeps her on her toes. Currently, she is shooting for a Luv Ranjan directorial that has her sharing screen space with Ranbir Kapoor for the first time.

Shraddha shares, “It just feels good to be back on set with my team and shoot for my film and other work commitments. It is really nice to get back and face the camera again. Talking about Ranbir, I have admired him as an actor right from his first film. I am glad that finally we got to do a film together. I am looking forward to this being my next release, and it feels great to know that people are excited to see us coming together on the big screen.”

Ranbir Kapoor, who spent the past few days promoting his late father Rishi Kapoor’s swansong, is nearing the finish line of his yet-untitled project with Luv Ranjan. But there is little respite for the actor. We hear director Sandeep Reddy Vanga of Kabir Singh (2019) fame is gearing up to take Animal on floors before the month-end. 

The director has envisioned a chunk of the gangster-themed family drama in Mumbai. A source reveals, “Over the past week, Sandeep has had multiple conversations with his production team regarding the locking of venues across Mumbai. A major portion of the film will be shot outdoors, so the makers are initiating the process of procuring permissions. Ranbir has yet to can some crucial scenes for his film with Luv. So, he will juggle the two projects in the last week of April, before giving his undivided attention to Vanga’s movie from the first week of May.”

The drama sees Anil Kapoor play the actor’s father and Rashmika Mandanna as his wife. The source adds, “Vanga will largely shoot Anil’s scenes over the first 15 days of the schedule.”